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Aripiprazole

Brand names: Abilify, Abilify Maintena

Aripiprazole is an antipsychotic used for schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and, added to an antidepressant, depression.

Brand namesAbilify, Abilify Maintena
Type of medicineAntipsychotic
Prescription?Prescription
ImportantThis page is general information, not a prescription. Don't start, stop, or change a medicine without talking to your provider or pharmacist.

Overview

It balances dopamine and serotonin activity. It comes as pills, liquid, and monthly shots.

What it's used for

  • Schizophrenia
  • Bipolar disorder
  • Add-on treatment for depression
  • Irritability with autism
  • Tourette's

How to take it

  • Take it once a day, with or without food.
  • Don't stop suddenly.

Your dose depends on your health and other medicines. Always follow your prescription label, and ask your pharmacist if anything is unclear.

Side effects

Common side effects

  • Restlessness or feeling like you can't sit still
  • Nausea
  • Headache
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Weight gain
Call 911Thoughts of suicide or harming yourself. Call or text 988 any time.
Call 911High fever, stiff muscles, confusion, and sweating (rare reaction called NMS)
Call your provider todayUncontrolled movements of the face, tongue, or body
Call your provider todayStrong urges you can't control, like gambling, shopping, or eating
Call your provider todayExtreme thirst, peeing a lot, or very high blood sugar

Warnings

  • Boxed warnings: higher risk of death in older adults with dementia, and suicidal thoughts in young people.
  • It can raise blood sugar and weight.

Other medicines, foods, and alcohol

  • Some antidepressants (fluoxetine, paroxetine), antifungals, and HIV medicines raise its level; carbamazepine lowers it.
  • Alcohol and sedating medicines add to drowsiness.

Tell your provider and pharmacist about every medicine, vitamin, and supplement you take.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Talk with your provider about benefits and risks. Don't stop on your own.

Missed doses, overdose, and storage

If you miss a dose

Take it as soon as you remember, unless it's almost time for your next dose. Then skip the missed dose. Don't take two doses at once.

If someone takes too much

Call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 or get help online at poison.org. Call 911 if the person collapses, has a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be woken.

Storing it

Store at room temperature, away from heat and moisture (not in the bathroom), and out of reach of children and pets.

Conditions it's used for

Sources

Last updated 2026-11-13.